Abstract: A molded twist-lock connector for use in connecting electrical components is composed of a cylindrical connector housing and a cylindrical locking collar, wherein the connector housing has formed therein a plurality of outwardly extending tabs slidably engaged within corresponding circumferentially-elongated slits formed in the locking collar. The tabs are slidably movable within the slits so as to render the locking collar rotatable from an unlocked position to a locked position. The unlocked position of the collar exists when the tabs abut against a first lateral side of the slits and the locked position of the collar exists when the tabs abut against an opposite second lateral side of the slits. The connector is in an unlocked state when the locking collar is disposed in the unlocked position and in a locked state when the collar is disposed in the locked position. The connector is formed as a unit in a single mold, with the tabs being engaged within the slits upon formation of the connector.

Abstract: A subassembly module including a pintle bearing, bearing retaining spring, and bearing splash shield for an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve for an internal combustion engine. The bearing is provided with a circumferential flange for sealing with an outer surface of the valve body, and with an annular step in the flange for receiving the rolled or crimped skirt of the bearing splash shield. The bearing retaining spring surrounding the valve pintle is compressed and captured within the splash shield as the skirt is formed onto the annular step to form the module. The axial length of the module is slightly greater than the assembled distance between the valve body and the actuator of the EGR valve, such that the module is compressed by installation of the actuator onto the valve body, allowing the compressed spring to urge the bearing face sealingly against the valve body. Advantageously, the subassembly module may be pre-assembled offline by known methods to reduce complexity during assembly of the valve.

Abstract: Tilt sensor and method for forming the sensor with a piezoresistive membrane having a weight affixed proximate its center for detecting the tilt of a body. The membrane may include four piezoresistors placed proximate the edges of the membrane at the points of maximum stress when the membrane is subject to a uniform applied pressure. The piezoresistors may form a Wheatstone bridge circuit to generate an output voltage in response to changes in resistance of the piezoresistors under the uniform applied pressure. The output voltage may be indicative of the angle of inclination of a body. The membrane may be fabricated from a silicon wafer using known photolithography and etching processes. The membrane may be connected with a voltage source and secured within an appropriate housing to be placed in an operational environment.

Abstract: A steering column assembly moveable along an axis to an extended and retracted position and having a hand wheel tiltable about a pivot axis between tilted and untilted positions is provided. A control mechanism limits the degree of tilting movement of the hand wheel so that while the steering column assembly is in the extended position, the steering column is tiltable to the first maximum tilt angle, and while in the retracted position, the steering column is tiltable to the second maximum tilt angle. The second maximum tilt angle is less than the first maximum tilt angle to prevent the steering column assembly from interfering with any portion of a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of controlling at least one magnetorheological damper. The invention also provides a computer usable medium including a program and a suspension control system for achieving the same. The method includes calculating a power input coefficient based on at least one power input characteristic. A power dissipation coefficient is calculated based on at least one power dissipation characteristic. A damper temperature is estimated based on the calculated power input coefficient and the calculated power dissipation coefficient. At least one dampening force characteristic is modulated based on the estimated damper temperature.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling dampers in a suspension system of a vehicle body. A heave velocity of a vehicle body is derived from sensed dynamic variables of the vehicle body. A slew rate limit for a damping control command is derived in response to the heave velocity of the vehicle body. The damping control command for at least one dampers is generated in accordance with the slew rate limit.

Abstract: An airbag module is shown for an occupant restraint system of a motor vehicle. The airbag module has a housing in which a folded inflatable airbag is accommodated. A part of the housing is designed as a covering which is movable into the vehicle interior and which supports the knees of the occupant during the unfolding of the airbag. The airbag is designed in such a manner that it can be unfolded through an opening at the housing past the covering and into the vehicle interior when the covering is at least partly moved into the vehicle interior.

Abstract: A process for forming stable integrated resistors (14) and capacitors (28) on organic substrates (12). The resistors (14) and capacitors (28) are capable of a wide range of resistance and capacitance values, yet can be processed in a manner that does not detrimentally effect the organic substrate (12) or entail complicated processing. The method generally entails the use of thick-film materials usually of the types used to form resistors and capacitors on ceramic substrates. The thick-film materials are applied to an electrically-conductive foil (20) and then heated to bond the thick-film material to the foil (20) and form a solid resistive or capacitive mass (16/30). The foil (20) is then laminated to an organic substrate (12), such that the resistive/capacitive mass (16/30) is attached to and preferably embedded in the organic substrate (12).

Abstract: A starting system for an engine of an automotive vehicle having an ignition system includes a fingerprint sensor (26) that generates a fingerprint signal. A memory has a plurality of authorized fingerprint signals stored therein. A switch (28) is used to generate a start signal. A controller is coupled to the ignition system (20), the fingerprint sensor (26), the memory (18), and switch (28). The controller compares the fingerprint signal with the authorized fingerprint signal stored in the memory and enables the ignition system in response to the start signal and the fingerprint signal being substantially equal to an authorized fingerprint signal.

Abstract: Composite galvanomagnetic devices having a desired combination of properties in specific temperature ranges and magnetic field ranges and so combined that desired properties are provided over an extended temperature and magnetic field range. In practice this can be accomplished with a single die with layers of different properties. Particularly, the present invention addresses this method as related to magnetoresitors and Hall plates.

Abstract: A tin-lead solder alloy containing copper and/or nickel and optionally silver, palladium, platinum and/or gold as its alloying constituents. The solder alloy consists essentially of, by weight, about 5% to about 70% tin, up to about 4% silver palladium, platinum and/or gold, about 0.5% to about 10% copper and/or nickel, the balance lead and incidental impurities. The presence of copper and/or nickel in the alloy has the beneficial effect of inhibiting the dissolution and leaching of silver from a silver-containing thick-film, such as a conductor or solder pad, into the molten solder alloy during reflow. In addition, solder joints formed of the solder alloy form a diffusion barrier layer of intermetallic compounds that inhibit solid-state interdiffusion between silver from a silver-containing thick-film and tin from the solder joint.

Abstract: A zero terminal insertion force electrical connection assembly. A female terminal features a barrel having a floor, a roof and an opening. Connected to the floor is a tongue which curves inwardly and upwardly into the barrel, and has an interface surface located adjacent the roof when the tongue is in a relaxed state. A boss feature is connected to the tongue and passes though an aperture in the roof when the tongue is in its relaxed state. A zero insertion force member is slidably interfaced with the barrel such that at a first position, the boss feature projects fully through the aperture. However, when slid to a second position, the zero insertion force member presses upon the boss feature so as to cause the tongue to be resiliently depressed toward the floor and allow a male terminal to be slid receivingly into the barrel without any contact with the tongue.

Abstract: An engine fuel injector includes an internal fuel passage in which pressure waves can develop upon opening and closing of an injection valve. A fuel pressure damper is associated with the fuel passage and operates to vary the internal volume of the fuel passage in a manner to reduce the amplitude of pressure variations and pressure waves in the fuel passage. A variety of fuel pressure damper embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring process gas of a solid oxide fuel cell system is disclosed. The method comprises directing a portion of process gas from a chamber of the solid oxide fuel cell system to a main plenum chamber. A portion of process gas is cooled to a measurable temperature and directed to a sensor for analyzing. A solid oxide fuel cell system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The poison resistant sensor comprises a sensing electrode (4) having a first and second side; a reference electrode (7) having a first and second side; an electrolyte (1) disposed between and in intimate contact with the first side of the sensing electrode and the first side of the reference electrode; a first side of a protective layer (3) disposed adjacent to the second side of the sensing electrode; and a protective coating (17), comprising alpha alumina and gamma alumina, disposed in physical contact with the second side of the protective layer.

Abstract: An electric machine having a rotor carrying a field coil has a fan and slip ring assembly. The slip ring assembly is axially remote from the fan portion, the slip ring assembly being electrically connected to the field coil. The point of connection between the slip ring assembly and the field coil is secured to the fan by a thermoplastic retaining member that is ultrasonically welded to the surface of the fan.

Abstract: A disc brake caliper assembly has a housing with a bore. A piston in the bore is movable between applied, retracted and knock-back positions. The piston is activatable by hydraulic pressure to move from the retracted position to the applied position; and a retracting seal is effective in the absence of the hydraulic pressure to move the piston from the applied position to the retracted position. A linkage adjacent the piston carries a stop; and an actuator is responsive to an end of brake activation signal to cause the linkage to engage the stop with the piston when the piston is retracted from its applied position to its retracted position so as to prevent the piston from moving from the retracted position to the knock-back position. The actuator is preferably a comparatively weak electric motor that stalls as the stop engages the piston; and the stall is sensed to end motor activation. The end of brake activation signal is preferably provided by a brake position or pressure sensor.

Abstract: An improved surge suppression control for a motor vehicle drivetrain detects and suppresses drivetrain oscillation in a predetermined range of frequencies centered on an estimate of the natural frequency of the drivetrain. The drivetrain natural frequency is determined based on the current speed ratio of the vehicle transmission and empirically determined vehicle characteristics, and is used to define the center frequency of a band-pass filter responsive to engine speed. The filter output represents the AC component of the engine speed in a range of frequencies centered on the driveline natural frequency, and such component is differentiated to form an acceleration component in phase synchronism with the torque causing the detected resonance.

Abstract: A protective screen for a road vehicle brake disc includes at least one elastic holding organ (27; 30) intended to be compressed in an axial gap between a pivot support (11) and a bearing module (13), present after direct clamping of the bearing module (13) onto the pivot support (11). An assembly for the rotary connection of a wheel to a road vehicle includes a pivot support (11) and a bearing module clamped directly to each other, and such a protective screen (12) held in position due to the compression of the elastic organ (27; 30).

Abstract: A power booster for a brake system including a housing having an interior and a pair of diaphragms separating the interior of the housing into three chambers. A power piston assembly is coupled for movement with the diaphragms and includes an output member. A reaction member is coupled to the power piston assembly, and an input member is adapted to be coupled to a movable brake pedal. An air valve assembly moves between open and closed positions to selectively admit atmospheric air into selected ones of the chambers. This induces an output force on the diaphragm that is transferred to the output member of the power piston assembly. The triple booster adds an additional working chamber with an added approximately 45% increase in power boost. The triple power booster retains many of the same components as prior dual or tandem boosters to provide an economical solution to increase booster output without the need for new tuning procedures or added booster diameter.